The Siena junior suffered through a difficult season last year, but got to the chance to enjoy some victories when the team travelled to Montreal in August.

The Saints won four of their five games over a six-day stretch, which gave everyone some positive feelings heading into the start of practice.

"It actually made me look forward to the season," said Poole, before practice on Tuesday.

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It was a difficult year in 2012-13, as Siena struggled to a 8-24 finish that tied the school record for losses. Coach Mitch Buonaguro was fired and two players were removed from the roster.

With practice beginning last Friday, there is a renewed feeling of optimism, as new head coach Jimmy Patsos is now at the helm and there are a handful of new faces.

"I want to get better every day as a team," he said.

The trip to Montreal got the Saints started in the right direction, before most programs were getting the chance to practice and play.

"Montreal was an unbelievable experience," said Patsos.

Playing games and having success made for a good experience, especially for the players who have yet to step on the court as a college player.

"It was very beneficial because we got to see what the college game is like," freshman Lavon Long said.

Long and fellow frosh Marquis Wright have taken great strides since arriving on campus for summer classes. Wright's role, as the point guard, means it will be imperative that he is on the same page as his teammates.

"Nobody got more out of Montreal than Marquis," Patsos said. "That was lucky for us."

The Saints were picked to finish 10th out of 11 teams in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference preseason poll.

"We're trying to come out this year and prove people wrong," said Poole.

With no seniors on the roster, Poole knows he needs to use his veteran experience to make sure his teammates know what's expected.

"I'll take on the challenge this year," he said.

The non-conference portion of the schedule will be difficult. Siena starts the year against crosstown rival UAlbany on Friday, Nov. 8. The Saints also play at Purdue, three games in Orlando, at the Old Spice Classic, against America East runner-up Vermont and La Salle, which reached the Sweet 16 last season.

"Things are moving in the right direction, but how are we going to handle adversity?" Patsos said. "Because there's going to be some, due to our schedule."

The Saints are without junior guard Evan Hymes, who is wearing a cast on his left hand, due to an injury sustained on the Montreal trip. Patsos said Hymes, who averaged 10.6 points per game last year, is still "a few weeks away" from returning to the court.

Through the first few days of practice, the belief is that this team will have the chemistry it needs to work together and be successful.

"Everything is going well," Long said. "We're coming together as a team."

Last season, Siena won back-to-back games only once. Winning the final three games in Montreal has this team knowing what winning feels like and what they have to do to get there.

"I think we'll have a good year if we stay together and play hard," said Poole.